Cooking Bistro Blend Rice: A Simple, Flavorful Guide

Bistro Blend Rice is a colourful, textured, whole grain wild rice blend containing brown rice, red rice, red wheat berry, and wild rice. It is perfect for salads, side dishes, and soups. The grains in this blend expand a lot, so it is important to use plenty of water when cooking. To cook Bistro Blend Rice, combine 1 cup of long-grain brown rice, 1 cup of unhulled short-grain red rice, and 1 cup of wild rice (black) in a bowl and transfer to an airtight container. To prepare, place 2 cups of water and 1 cup of the rice/grain mix in a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 50 minutes. Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the burner, cover, and set aside for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in some extra virgin olive oil, if desired.

Rinsing the rice

Before you begin rinsing, it is important to choose an appropriate container. A rice rinser bowl is ideal, as it is specifically designed for this purpose and can also be used for washing other small grains such as quinoa. If you don't have a rice rinser bowl, you can use any large container that can comfortably hold the amount of rice you are preparing.

Take the rice you plan to use for your Bistro Blend and place it in your chosen container. Fill the container with cool water, ensuring that there is enough water to completely cover the rice. Use your hands or a spoon to gently agitate and swish the rice around in the water. You can also use a gentle stream of water to help rinse the rice. This process helps to remove any dust, starch, or debris from the surface of the rice grains.

After agitating the rice for a few seconds, carefully pour out the cloudy water. Repeat this process of adding water and gently agitating the rice, then draining the water. It is important to continue rinsing until the water runs clear or is no longer cloudy. This may take several rinses, depending on the type and condition of the rice.

Once the rice is thoroughly rinsed, you'll want to drain it well. You can use a fine-mesh strainer or colander for this step to ensure that all excess water is removed. It is important that the rice is not left soaking in water, as this can affect the cooking process and the final texture of the rice.

After draining, spread the rice out on a clean towel or paper towel and let it air dry for a few minutes. This step helps to remove any remaining moisture from the surface of the rice grains. Finally, transfer the rinsed and dried rice to a clean bowl or container and set it aside until you are ready to cook it.

Preparing the spices

Selecting the Spices:

Start by choosing the spices you want to use. Some common spices used in rice dishes include curry powder, cinnamon, sage, cloves, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. You can also add red pepper flakes if you want to add a spicy kick to your rice.

Measuring the Spices:

The amount of spice you use will depend on your personal preference and the number of servings you are preparing. As a general rule, it is better to start with a smaller amount and add more to taste, as you can always add but can't take away!

Mixing the Spices:

Combine all the spices in a small bowl and mix well. You can also use a spice grinder to blend the spices together for a more uniform mixture.

Toasting the Spices (Optional):

Toasting the spices can enhance their flavour and add a depth of aroma to your rice. Heat a dry pan over medium heat and add your spice mixture. Stir or shake the pan constantly for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spices become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices, as this will ruin their flavour.

Preparing a Spice Blend (Optional):

If you plan to make bistro blend rice regularly, you may want to prepare a larger batch of spice blend to save time in the future. Simply multiply the amounts of each spice in your mixture and combine them. Store your spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Adding the Spices to the Rice:

Follow your preferred method of cooking bistro blend rice. You can add the spices at the beginning of the cooking process or towards the end, depending on the recipe you are using. Ensure you stir the spices well to distribute them evenly throughout the rice.

Cooking the onions and garlic

To cook the onions and garlic, start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Heat up some veggie broth or water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. You will need about 3 tablespoons of broth or water to start. Once the saucepan is hot, add the diced onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. If the onions and garlic start to stick to the pan or look dry, add a little more broth or water.

Once the onions and garlic are soft and golden, it's time to add the spices. For this bistro blend rice, you will need curry powder, cinnamon, sage, and cloves. Measure out the amounts of each spice that you need and add them to the pan. Stir everything together for about 1 minute so that the spices become fragrant and coat the onions and garlic.

Now it's time to add the rice. For a bistro blend, you will typically use a combination of wild rice, brown rice, red rice, and sometimes white rice. Measure out the desired amount of rice and add it to the pan. Stir everything together for another minute so that the rice is coated in the spices and onions.

Finally, it's time to add the liquid. For cooking rice, you will need a fairly high ratio of liquid to rice. A good rule of thumb is to use 4 to 5 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of rice. You can use water, or for extra flavour, use vegetable or chicken broth. If you are using broth, try to find a low-sodium option, or the final dish may turn out too salty. Pour in the liquid and bring it to a simmer. Then, cover the pan and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the rice until it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This should take approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of rice you are using. Wild rice and brown rice will take closer to 45 minutes, while a blend of different types of rice may take less time. Be sure to check the rice occasionally to make sure it hasn't absorbed all the liquid and is not burning. If it looks dry, add a bit more liquid and reduce the heat.

Adding the rice and spices

To cook bistro blend rice, you will need to combine equal parts parboiled long-grain white rice and wild rice. You can adjust the ratio to your preference, but a 50/50 blend is standard. This blend typically includes long-grain brown rice, sweet brown rice, wild rice, whole-grain Wehani rice, and whole-grain black Japonica rice.

Once you have your desired blend, it's time to add the spices. A simple combination of dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and sugar can be used. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Now, it's time to cook the rice. Measure out the desired amount of your rice blend and rinse it thoroughly before cooking. This helps remove any excess starch and improves the texture of the cooked rice. After rinsing, set the rice aside.

For stovetop cooking, heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. You can also use vegetable broth or water if you prefer. Once the butter has melted or the oil is hot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry, you can add a little more broth or water.

At this point, you'll want to add your rice and spices. For a single cup of rice, use around a tablespoon of your spice blend. Stir everything together for about a minute to ensure the rice is well-coated and toasted.

Next, add your liquid. For every cup of rice, you'll need about 1 2/3 cups of water or broth. You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth to add more flavour to your dish. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low. Cook the rice for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Once the rice is tender, remove the lid and check the consistency. If there is still a lot of liquid, continue cooking until it evaporates. If the rice is dry but not quite tender, you can add a small amount of liquid and cook for a few more minutes.

Finally, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for about 2-3 minutes. This helps to absorb any remaining moisture and improves the texture of the rice. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and serve!

Cooking the rice

To cook bistro blend rice, you will need a mix of long-grain brown rice, unhulled short-grain red rice, and wild rice (black). Combine the ingredients in a bowl and transfer them to an airtight container.

When you are ready to cook the rice, take two cups of filtered water or stock/broth (if preferred) and one cup of the rice/grain mix, and place them in a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 50 minutes.

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat source and set it aside, covered, for 15 minutes. If desired, season with salt and pepper, and/or stir in some extra virgin olive oil.

It is important to note that the grains in this blend expand a lot during cooking, so be sure to use plenty of water. A ratio of 4 to 5 cups of liquid to 1 cup of the blend is recommended. Do not cook out all the water, and be prepared to add more water if needed.

If you are making a larger batch, simply increase the ratio proportionally—for example, for 2 cups of the blend, use 8 to 10 cups of liquid.

Frequently asked questions